Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

APPEARS IN News Hunting

Twist: American Criticizes UK Shooting Traditions?

Friday, December 21, 2018

Twist: American Criticizes UK Shooting Traditions?

Americans are often encouraged by anti-gun politicians to embrace United Kingdom-style gun control. This would entail restrictive gun owner licensing, a near total ban on all handguns (handguns are permitted but heavily restricted in Northern Ireland), a ban on commonly-owned semi-automatic rifles, and a near prohibition on the use of firearms and even non-lethal alternatives for self-defense. Moreover, U.S. gun controllers are egged on in their efforts by the UK press.

It is ironic then that it is an American influence that may have stifled part of UK shooting culture. According to some in the UK press, American-born Meghan Markle has convinced her husband Prince Harry to forego the royal family’s annual Boxing Day pheasant shoot.

The Express reported that “The Duchess of Sussex is a renowned animal lover and refuses to wear fur. She is also against bloodsports,” and that, “Meghan has expressed concern over Prince Harry killing ‘defenceless animals.’”

Moreover, a report from the Mirror indicated that issue has caused concern in the royal family. According to the tabloid,

A royal insider told the Sunday Mirror: “In his mind, William sees this as another concerning example of his younger brother being pulled away from his family by his new wife.

“Harry’s always loved hunting and it has provided them with a great chance to bond as brothers.

However, the reports of Meghan’s anti-hunting mandate are not without controversy. According to the Telegraph, a source at the royal residence called the story “completely untrue.”

The royal family has a long and proud tradition of participating in the shooting sports. Prince Phillip is an avid sportsman and helped pass down his love of the shooting sports to his grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry. For her part, Queen Elizabeth is an accomplished sportswoman, something that has brought her criticism from animal rights extremists. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge has also embraced the family’s hunting tradition.

Understanding the important role outdoorsmen play in wildlife management, the royal family has gone to great lengths to champion conservation efforts alongside their pursuit of the shooting sports.

It is encouraging that despite significant differences, the royal family and everyday Americans embrace the shooting sports for the same reasons. The shooting sports are about bonding with family and friends, carrying on time honored traditions, and cherishing and respecting wildlife and the outdoors. If the reports regarding the Duchess of Sussex are true, hopefully tolerance and an open mind will lead her to see the real value in the UK’s shooting traditions.

TRENDING NOW
First Affirmative Lawsuit in Support of Gun Owners Filed by Trump’s DOJ

News  

Monday, October 6, 2025

First Affirmative Lawsuit in Support of Gun Owners Filed by Trump’s DOJ

California officials’ egregious foot-dragging over the issuance of carry permits has finally attracted the ire of the federal Department of Justice (DOJ). 

NRA Files Another Lawsuit Challenging the National Firearms Act

Thursday, October 9, 2025

NRA Files Another Lawsuit Challenging the National Firearms Act

Today, the National Rifle Association—along with the American Suppressor Association, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Second Amendment Foundation—announced the filing of another lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA).

North Carolina: Update on Permitless Carry

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

North Carolina: Update on Permitless Carry

Last week the North Carolina General Assembly briefly returned from recess and re-referred Senate Bill 50, Freedom to Carry NC, to the House Rules Committee.

California: Governor Newsom Signs Gun Control Bills Into Law

Monday, October 13, 2025

California: Governor Newsom Signs Gun Control Bills Into Law

For someone who has claimed to be"...deeply mindful and respectful of the Second Amendment and people’s Constitutional rights,” Governor Gavin Newsom has once again proven that actions speak louder than words.

Trump Administration Repeals Biden Era Firearms Export Crackdown

News  

Monday, October 6, 2025

Trump Administration Repeals Biden Era Firearms Export Crackdown

Last Monday, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at the U.S. Department of Commerce published a final rule that reversed a crackdown on the commercial export of firearms from the U.S. to other countries.

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Hear Challenge to Ban on Firearms Possession by Nonviolent Felons

Thursday, October 9, 2025

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Hear Challenge to Ban on Firearms Possession by Nonviolent Felons

Today, the National Rifle Association, along with the Second Amendment Foundation, Firearms Policy Coalition, and FPC Action Foundation, filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a challenge to the federal lifetime prohibition on ...

Firearm Prohibition Advocates Mute on Jay Jones “Two Bullets to the Head” Scandal

News  

Monday, October 13, 2025

Firearm Prohibition Advocates Mute on Jay Jones “Two Bullets to the Head” Scandal

Democrat Jay Jones, candidate for Virginia attorney general, still has not suspended his campaign, even as pressure mounts over disclosures that should disqualify, to put it mildly, any individual from serving as the chief law ...

Federal Court Strikes Down Biden Administration’s “Engaged in the Business” Rule in NRA Case

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Federal Court Strikes Down Biden Administration’s “Engaged in the Business” Rule in NRA Case

Yesterday, in Butler v. Bondi, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama held that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives exceeded its statutory authority by issuing its 2024 Final Rule expanding ...

Trust in Mass Media Craters to New Lows, in Single Digits With Republicans

News  

Monday, October 6, 2025

Trust in Mass Media Craters to New Lows, in Single Digits With Republicans

There’s an old saying that rings especially true to Second Amendment supporters: If you don’t read the news, you’re uninformed.

President Trump’s GOP Leads Polling on Crime and Guns, To No Surprise

News  

Monday, October 6, 2025

President Trump’s GOP Leads Polling on Crime and Guns, To No Surprise

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that Americans know the President Donald Trump-led Republican Party has a better plan than their Democratic Party opponents on crime and gun control.

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.